The iconic Dafineh Museum in Tehran’s Mirdamad neighborhood is under construction.

The iconic Dafineh Museum in Tehran’s Mirdamad neighborhood has been under construction and other claims has been rejected by Mostazafan Foundation, officials say.

The foundation stressed that “their only intention is to restore” the site museum whose exterior design was inspired by the works of late American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

“We have no intention of destroying the structure,” Mohammad Ali Tajik, public relations officer at the foundation, told ISNA. “We’re only restoring the building and strengthening the structure.”

On Friday, the protection unit of the provincial office of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Organization arrived at the museum and prevented further destruction of the site’s interior when recent photos of the museum’s interior showed torn-down walls and ceilings.

Reports emerged eight months ago that the foundation was planning to raze Dafineh and this prompted cultural heritage officials in Tehran to question the foundation’s intentions.

Tajik said a survey of the building concluded that it had become weak and was at risk of falling apart, so swift action was needed.

Meanwhile, to ensure the site is immune from any damage, ICHHTO is preparing a dossier for Dafineh to have it inscribed on the National Heritage List.

The site on the heritage list receives funding for its upkeep and protection, and cannot be demolished.

Also known as Money Museum, Dafineh’s collection includes coins (1,400 pieces) and bills (700). It is also home to 700 relics not related to money.